Keto DHEA vs. DHEA

by
KAREN S. GARVIN Last Updated: Sep 17, 2011

Karen S. Garvin

Karen S. Garvin has been a professional writer since 1988, when "Dragon" magazine published her first article. Her recent work includes encyclopedia entries on historical subjects. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and is pursuing a master's degree in European history. Her interests include photography, science, history and Steampunk.

Keto DHEA may help with weight management.Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Both Keto DHEA and DHEA have been promoted as weight-loss supplements and as sources of a range of other benefits, including reducing memory loss and decreasing the negative effects of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.While DHEA stimulates production of the sex hormones, Keto DHEA cannot produce sex hormones. Researchers think that Keto DHEA may be safer because it avoids many of the complications associated with DHEA.

What is DHEA?

According to the Mayo Clinic, DHEA is a hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone that is secreted by your adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are located just above your kidneys and are responsible for releasing stress hormones into your body. DHEA is a precursor to the hormone androstenedione, which is then used by the body to produce both male and female sex hormones, androgen and estrogen. The amounts of DHEA in your body decrease with age and may also be depleted by certain types of drugs. DHEA is available as a dietary supplement in capsule and tablet form. One of the major selling points of DHEA is its use as a weight-loss supplement.

Health Benefits of DHEA

Research has shown that DHEA can be useful in boosting adrenal hormone levels, which makes it a promising treatment for people who suffer from adrenal insufficiency, a serious medical condition in which the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough of the vital hormones cortisol and aldosterone. The Mayo Clinic notes that depression and obesity are two other disorders that may benefit from DHEA supplementation, although further research is needed. Because it's related to the sex hormones, DHEA has been used to improve fertility and increase the sex drive. It also can reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Always consult your doctor before taking DHEA or any supplements.

Problems with DHEA

The National Institutes of Health considers DHEA to be possibly safe when used in small amounts and for no longer than a few months. Dosages that exceed 50 mg to 100 mg per day and are used for more than a few months increase the likelihood that you will encounter side effects. They can include mild symptoms like acne and upset stomach and more problematic symptoms such as high blood pressure and liver damage. Women who have conditions related to hormone problems, such as fibroids and breast cancer, should avoid DHEA, and DHEA supplementation is not recommended for children under the age of 18 because it may interfere with their growth.

Keto DHEA

Keto DHEA, also known as 7-Keto, is a metabolite of DHEA. But because Keto DHEA does not break down into the sex hormones estrogen or testosterone, many of the side effects associated with the parent product are avoided. Keto DHEA has been shown to be effective when used for weight loss. Studies have shown that Keto DHEA increases the levels of the thyroid hormone T3, which helps to regulate your body's metabolism. One study involved 30 people who were split between a control group that received a placebo and a group that received 200 mg of Keto DHEA daily. At the end of the eight week study, the patients who received Keto DHEA lost an average 6.34 pounds, while those receiving the placebo lost only 2.2 pounds.